The traders of CNBC’s “Fast Money” are taking their game up a notch this week. The crew is producing two daily shows that will air while the Olympic Games are taking place. The early show is on at 1 p.m. EDT so viewers can trade with the pros during normal trading hours. Now the traders can truly showcase their advanced market knowledge and offer up trading ideas in real time.

The gang recently highlighted trading ideas that play off investing in China post-Olympics, cheap energy stocks and Brazil-based stocks. Here are some highlights from over the past week as aggregated from the show.

Fast Money’s Energy Stocks on Sale: The traders think that energy stocks have fallen too much too fast. On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Guy Adami told viewers: “My best trade is XTO Energy (XTO). The stock is down 30% since the end of June and valuations look okay.” Fast Money’s Energy Stocks on Sale included Potash (POT) and Flowerserve (FLS) .

Fast Money’s Options Trading Ideas: The traders see opportunity in the options market to make some big money. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Jon Najarian told viewers: “There’s very strong call buying in Home Depot (HD). Fast Money’s Options Trading Ideas included CSX (CSX) and Hudson City Bancorp (HCBK).

Fast Money’s Volatile Oil Trade: The oil trade is getting more and more volatile after news broke of the conflict between Russia and Georgia. On Monday’s “Fast Money,” Joe Terranova told viewers: “The oil trade is probably being driven by the strong dollar. But it’s natural gas that's got my attention. I think gas is probably finding a bottom.” Fast Money’s Volatile Oil Trade included Chesapeake (CHK) and Exxon (XOM).

Fast Money’s Post-Olympics China Trade: The traders see opportunity in some Chinese stocks for the post-Beijing Olympics period. On Monday’s “Fast Money” show, Guy Adami told viewers: “The best China trade out there is probably Yum! Brands (YUM). Pizza Hut and KFC are both huge there.” Fast Money’s Post-Olympics China Trade included Sohu (SOHU) and Nokia (NOK).

Fast Money’s Trader Radar: In a segment called “Trader Radar,” the crew highlights stocks with unusual volume that are lighting up screens across Wall Street. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Dylan Ratigan told viewers: “On the trader radar tonight we’re watching the TJX Companies (TJX). This retailer was among the most active names on the NYSE today. Check out Fast Money’s Trader Radar.

Fast Money’s Brazil Stock Plays: The traders looked at some trading opportunities for Brazil following the sharp decline in commodity prices --commodities make up a large part of the Brazilian economy. On Tuesday’s “Fast Money” show, Pete Najarian told viewers: “I’d look at Embraer (ERJ). They make executive jets.” Fast Money’s Brazil Stock Plays included Freeport-McMoRan (FCX).


A note from James Altucher:

Every weekend I send an email to Jim Cramer and several hedge fund managers about the most interesting portfolios posted on Stockpickr that week. Usually those portfolios not only list stocks according to a theme but also offer significant analysis as to why the stocks are cheap.

Here are some examples:

Stocks related to drilling the Marcellus Shale

MLPS with yields above 7%

Microcaps trading for less than tangible book

Stocks that do well after Hurricanes

Here's the challenge: Build a portfolio at Stockpickr.com with great analysis, and send me the link. Each great portfolio (with analysis) will get posted on TheStreet.com with your byline (as a "Stockpickr Guest Columnist") and will be included in my email I send to Jim and the other
hedge fund managers on my list.



Posted on Aug. 13, 2008